Effects of Prostaglandins E 2 and F 2α on the Carotid Arterial Blood Flow,Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure and Intraocular Pressure in Dogs 1

Abstract

Summary

The effects of PGE₂ and PGF_2α on carotid arterial blood flow, IOP and CSFP were studied in anesthetized dogs. It was found that an iv infusion of PGE₂ decreases systemic arterial pressure, and increases heart rate, carotid arterial blood flow, IOP and CSFP. During the period of infusion, however, after an initial increase, carotid arterial flow gradually decreases to control levels. In contrast, an iv infusion of PGF_2α decreases heart rate, carotid arterial blood flow, IOP and CSFP, as mean systemic arterial pressure remains essentially unchanged. This study suggests that the changes in IOP induced by PGE₂ or PGF_2α are not only due to their direct effect on the eye but also due to their effect on carotid arterial blood flow. In contrast, the changes in the CSFP are most likely due only to the effects of PGE₂ and PGF_2α on carotid arterial blood flow.

The authors express their gratitude to Dr. J. Pike, Kalamazoo, MI for his generous supply of PGE₂ and PGF_2α.